Camino de Santiago de Compostela The CAFOD Pilgrimage A unique and meaningful challenge

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1 Camino de Santiago de Compostela The CAFOD Pilgrimage A unique and meaningful challenge CAFOD is the official overseas aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. UK reg. charity no,

2 The Camino de Santiago de Compostela For over a thousand years pilgrims have been travelling on foot to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, in north-west Spain where the apostle Saint James the Great is said to be laid to rest. The route, known also as The Way of St James, is one which will challenge individuals both physically and mentally as they wind their way along the varied routes and terrain. The Camino de Santiago de Compostela accommodates many motivations and is a remarkable journey for anyone who decides they would like to take the opportunity to experience it. It is not a journey to be rushed. A really positive experience I would recommend it to other people We travelled the pilgrims route in a spiritual manner that reflected the ethos of the journey. In all honesty it lived up to my expectations.

3 An Invitation We would like to invite you to walk the last 100 miles (160km) of The Camino. As part of your journey we ask you to raise money for our work by inviting others to sponsor your walk. In this way you can give hope to some of the world s poorest communities and make a real difference to people s lives. As you walk you might also take the opportunity to pray and reflect on your own life journey, and on how you, like the Apostle James, live out your commitment to the Gospel of peace and justice. Your actions can make a world of difference to those in need. Walk in Community We encourage you to walk in community. You can elect to join with fellow pilgrims also supporting CAFOD through their journey by travelling together from 16 September 25 September We hope that this will enable pilgrims to give each other support and encouragement, to learn from one another and accomplish a great challenge as a team. Pilgrims from all parts of England and Wales will be invited to join together for a pre-trip training weekend, in which we will hear stories from past pilgrims, enjoy a training walk together and share more information and detail about the challenge. You might prefer to undertake the challenge on your own, or with a group from your parish, family or work place. CAFOD will support you whatever option you choose.

4 Support for your challenge CAFOD Pilgrim Guide Our guide contains information about local areas as well as personal and group daily reflections for you to use as you see fit. It also includes basic Spanish speaking tips, some historical background, pictures and much more. In addition, we will supply a detailed guide to the pilgrimage walking route broken down into a manageable daily sections, which is produced by the Confraternity of Saint James. Training weekend To prepare you for your challenge and allow you to meet fellow pilgrims before the trip itself, we will be hosting a training weekend. Pilgrim Passport We will provide for each participant a Pilgrim Passport in which you can collect stamps as evidence of your visit to an area. It allows you to stay in pilgrim hostels along the route, although it does not guarantee entry. Other accommodation options (e.g. B&Bs) are also available. Once you have confirmed your attendance on the trip, we will purchase the Pilgrim Passport on your behalf. Fundraising support Part of your challenge is to raise funds for our work around the world. The Events Team will be on hand to give you support and advice about how to maximise your fundraising, how to promote what you re doing locally, and make the most out of your experience. Debrief A month after returning to the UK, we will host an afternoon debrief at CAFOD Head Office, London. This is an opportunity for us to say thank you and learn from your experiences. Pilgrims will be invited to share some of their favourite moments, their struggles and triumphs, and their photos! Sign-up After you ve read the frequently asked questions below we invite you to apply to be a part of this trip by filling in the form on our website and returning it to challenge@cafod.org.uk or by post to: CAFOD Events, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB. If you have any queries or questions please do get in touch via or by calling

5 What to expect: frequently asked questions Will the walk be difficult? Do I need to be physically fit? You will have to walk between 12 and 18 miles each day. The landscape on this route will change from mountain scenery to rolling hills as you near Santiago. The route is well maintained but paths range from well-surfaced roads to less defined tracks. It may often be muddy underfoot so make sure you are prepared. In addition, you will be expected to carry your luggage along the route. Although you should be relatively fit, people of all abilities complete the Camino every year many travelling a longer distance. Blisters need not be an inevitable feature of your Camino. We strongly recommend a training programme to help minimise the risk of injury or discomfort the fitter you are the more enjoyable it will be! Who is responsible for my safety? You are! The most important thing to remember is that you are responsible for your pilgrimage: your travel, your fitness, your expenses and your safety. Remember to use the same rules for walking safely in the countryside that you would follow in the UK, and consider using walking poles or sticks. In return for your generous commitment we will make sure that you are as prepared as you can be. We will support your physical, mental and spiritual preparation, help your fundraising, and celebrate your achievement upon your return. How can I travel to the start/from the finish of the pilgrimage? You are responsible for your travel plans. There will be an agreed meeting point for CAFOD supporters walking together and you should ensure you arrive in plenty of time for the first day of walking, whether by air, sea or road. You will be able to get a direct flight home from Santiago at the end of the pilgrimage if you wish.

6 FAQs continued... What accommodation should I expect? There is shelter at every stage along the route, a pilgrims hostel or two in every place. These are basic lodgings specifically for pilgrims. They don t take advance bookings and occasionally if they are busy you may need to be prepared to sleep on a roll mat rather than a bed. They are staffed mostly by volunteers, some have kitchen facilities but many do not. They operate a strict policy of early mornings, and quite often you need to be ready to leave by 7/8 am. Alternative accommodation is usually available in the form of a B&B or hotel. What should I eat? Every town has a bar that serves the Pilgrims Menu a three course meal with wine / water for the evening. There are also small shops in towns and villages where you can buy food to cook in the hostels if they have a kitchen. These shops tend to sell tortillas, baguettes, cold meats, fruit, and bread for breakfast or picnic lunches. It would be good to carry high energy supplies on you, such as energy bars or drinks. What is the Pilgrim Passport? This is a credential required for the trip and is used to collect stamps as evidence of your visit to an area. This can be exchanged in the Pilgrim Office in Santiago for a certificate. Will I need a passport and/or visa? A ten year passport is essential for travel in Spain and it must be valid for at least three months after entry into the country. There is no visa requirement for UK citizens but other nationalities should check entry requirements. Please also ensure that you travel with a European Health Insurance Card (previously the E111 card), which entitles holders to free emergency health treatment. Will I need to carry all of my luggage? Yes. Participants will have to carry their own luggage along the Camino. There will not be a support vehicle or local guides, so pack light and be prepared for a challenge!

7 FAQs continued... What about the weather? In September, the weather is usually dry and hot, although some areas have high rainfall. We suggest that you prepare for chilly mornings and wet weather by bringing waterproof layers a poncho is effective for this. The average max. temperature is 24 c and the average min. temperature is 14 c. It may well be windy at times too. How much will it cost? We request a donation 100 to cover the costs of the preparatory weekend, resources/guide books and the Pilgrim Passport. Other costs to bear in mind are: travel (variable by type of transport); food ( a day recommended; less if you cook yourselves) and accommodation ( per night recommended, depending on where you choose to stay). Anything else? Travelling is always unpredictable, whether because of bad weather or otherwise. It s all part of the challenge you are signing up for! We can guarantee that coming face-to-face with experiences outside your comfort zone will help you to bond with your fellow walkers and provide you with plenty of things to laugh about. A sense of humour and a sense of adventure are two of the most important things to bring with you! Further information about the Camino Contact the Confraternity of Saint James at: 27 Blackfriars Road London SE1 8NY Tel Web. Or visit the online Camino forum: